Soul Catcher Read Free

control his people. Those who defied him were prohibited from water rations, and even those who behaved were given a miniscule amount. Josiah had complete power over the city and he never let his citizens forget it. The citizens could not flee without an adequate water supply to complete the journey, and they couldn’t revolt because they feared their water rations would be eliminated altogether. They were slaves in all but their name.
    Aleco knew, though the people of the city were unaware, that the Steward possessed a large water fountain behind his palace walls. It released thousands of gallons of the precious liquid every day. Steward Josiah did not share this coveted fluid with his fellow citizens but let it seep into the dusty sand, wasted. How Aleco knew this, he would never admit.
    “Of course,” Aleco spat. He didn’t hide his disdain of the city. It was the worst province he had ever visited. “Where is she located? How will I recognize her?”
    Father Giloth removed the thin, silver necklace he wore and offered it to Aleco. “She will have the matching twin of this chain,” he said. “That is how you will know it is her.” Aleco examined the necklace and the charm it held. It was a small, unremarkable, brown ball. “You must wear this, Aleco,” he said. “After she recognizes it, she will trust you and allow you to rescue her.” Aleco placed the chain around his neck and secured it beneath his cloak. The old man continued. “You will find her in the Prisoner’s Circle—if she is still alive.”
    “Perfect,” he said. “I am risking my life for someone who may already be dead.”
    “She is worth the risk,” he said.
    “It doesn’t matter if she is,” Aleco said. “I am bound by our deal. It’s the only reason I’m bothering to do this.”
    Father Giloth smiled. “Thank you, Aleco. She is very dear to me.”
    “It wouldn’t matter if she wasn’t,” he said.
    Father Golith secretly escorted Aleco to the end of his realm. Aleco’s food and water provisions were restocked and he was given a small supply of useful herbs—a gift from Father Giloth himself. “You know the uses of all these remedies I have given you, with the exception of this one.” Father Giloth indicated the very small container in his palm.
    Aleco took the bottle and examined the mixture, noting the color and texture. A small smile crept upon his lips. “Garlic and salt?” He laughed.
    “Just a tiny pinch can change a meal into a mouthwatering feast,” the Nature Priest said with a smile. “I have something to tell you that concerns that charm,” he said as his eyes glanced down to the chain around Aleco’s neck. “Within the capsule is an extremely rare herbal remedy. So rare, in fact, that I have only been able to grow it three times in my life.” Aleco reached within his shirt and withdrew the capsule, rubbing it between his fingers as he listened to Father Giloth’s words. “It has the incredible ability to heal you from any injury or illness, despite the severity, and can restore any man to his original unscathed form. You can understand just how valuable this herb really is,” the elderly man said.
    Aleco’s mind was racing. He had a way to cheat death—again. “This is how she knows to trust me,” Aleco realized. “You would never give this to someone who could be an enemy.” Aleco was amazed that Father Giloth would impart such a gift, considering his old age and fragility. If Aleco had one remedy, the mysterious woman had another, then Father Giloth had only one mixture left. Or did he?
    “Exactly,” he said. “And if you find yourself in a critical circumstance, please do not hesitate to use it. I would rather see you return without it than not return at all.”
    With a slight nod, they said their goodbyes then Aleco disappeared into the forest, becoming one with the darkness. Father Giloth lingered at the edge of the trees, whispering prayers as his son moved further into the forest,